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Human Resources

Employee Relations Advisor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An Employee Relations Advisor is a specialist within the human resources (HR) team who helps manage relationships between employers and employees. This role focuses on advising managers and staff on employment legislation, company policies, and best practices to ensure a positive and productive workplace. Employee Relations Advisors often handle workplace disputes, grievances, and disciplinary procedures, ensuring that all actions are fair, consistent, and compliant with the law. They may also contribute to developing policies, conducting investigations, and supporting organisational change. Excellent communication, mediation, and problem-solving skills are vital in this career, as is a good understanding of employment law in the UK.

Employee Relations Advisor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an Employee Relations Advisor in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Availability

There are currently over 2,000 Employee Relations Advisor positions advertised across the UK in 2024, with opportunities in both private and public sectors.

Career Progression

With experience, Employee Relations Advisors can progress to senior roles such as Employee Relations Manager, with salaries reaching up to £55,000 per year.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Trade Union Representative

Acts as a link between employees and management to negotiate workplace issues and support staff with grievances or disputes.

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Workplace Mediator

Specialises in resolving conflicts between employees or between employees and management through structured mediation sessions.

Equality and Diversity Officer

Focuses on promoting fair treatment, diversity, and inclusion within an organisation, ensuring policies and practices comply with equality legislation.

Complete Education and Gain Foundational HR Knowledge

Achieve GCSEs and A levels

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 and consider A levels in subjects like Business Studies, Law, or Psychology.

Good GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, are important for HR roles. A levels in relevant subjects can support your understanding of business environments and people management. Alternatively, you could pursue a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration or Human Resources.

Pursue Further Study or Apprenticeship

Complete a university degree or a relevant apprenticeship in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field.

Many Employee Relations Advisors hold degrees in Human Resources Management, Business, or Law. Alternatively, apprenticeships such as HR Support or HR Consultant Partner (Level 5) provide practical experience and can be a direct route into the profession.

Develop HR and Employment Law Knowledge

Learn about employment law, workplace policies, and HR best practices through coursework, workshops, or online learning.

Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR policy is crucial for an Employee Relations Advisor. Consider taking short courses or online training in employment legislation, mediation, and conflict resolution. Membership of the CIPD can also provide access to resources and training.

Gain Practical Experience

Secure an Entry-Level HR Role

Apply for HR Assistant or HR Administrator positions to gain experience in a professional setting.

Look for roles in HR departments where you can develop skills in handling confidential information, supporting recruitment, and assisting with employee queries. Volunteering or internships in HR also count as valuable experience.

Build Skills in Communication and Conflict Resolution

Develop strong communication, problem-solving, and mediation abilities through your daily work and targeted training.

Employee Relations Advisors need to listen actively, remain impartial, and resolve disputes effectively. Attend workshops or seminars on conflict management, negotiation, and communication. Seek feedback from managers or mentors to improve your approach.

Gain Exposure to Employee Relations Cases

Assist with or observe disciplinary, grievance, and absence management cases to understand the practical side of employee relations.

Ask to shadow experienced Employee Relations Advisors or get involved in projects that require you to interpret policies, conduct investigations, or support hearings. This will deepen your understanding of how to manage sensitive workplace issues.

Progress to Employee Relations Advisor

Apply for Employee Relations Advisor Positions

Look for vacancies and prepare a CV highlighting your HR experience and relevant skills.

Demonstrate your understanding of employment law, your experience with employee relations cases, and your ability to handle sensitive matters. Tailor your application to each employer and be ready to discuss examples during interviews.

Continue Professional Development

Pursue advanced CIPD qualifications or specialised training in mediation, employment law, or investigation techniques.

Ongoing learning is important to keep up with changes in employment legislation and best practice in employee relations. Advanced CIPD qualifications (such as Level 5 or 7) or short courses in mediation and conflict resolution can help you progress.

Build a Professional Network

Join HR and employee relations forums, attend industry events, and connect with other professionals.

Networking can provide job opportunities, support, and the chance to share best practice. Join professional bodies such as the CIPD and attend local meetings or conferences to stay informed and connected.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Employee Relations Advisor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An Employee Relations Advisor and a Human Resources Officer both focus on managing employee issues, mediating workplace conflicts, and supporting organisational policies related to staff welfare. They require similar skills in communication, conflict resolution, and understanding employment legislation.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

  • small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
  • large multi-national companies
  • charities and education organisations
  • public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

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Career tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.

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